Apple Turnovers

These apple turnovers are a cozy pastry treat filled with tender apples, warm spices, and wrapped in flaky puff pastry. They are simple to prepare yet impressive enough to serve for a family breakfast or as a sweet dessert.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love making apple turnovers because they are quick to put together, especially when I use store-bought puff pastry. The filling is warm, spiced, and slightly sweet, which pairs perfectly with the buttery, flaky layers. I also like that these can be served warm right out of the oven or enjoyed later at room temperature. They remind me of a bakery-style pastry without the need for complicated steps.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Puff pastry sheets, thawed
• Apples, peeled and diced
• Sugar
• Brown sugar
• Cinnamon
• Nutmeg
• Cornstarch
• Lemon juice
• Egg (for egg wash)
• Water

Directions

1. I start by preheating the oven to 400°F (200°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a small saucepan, I cook the diced apples with sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cornstarch, and lemon juice until the mixture thickens and the apples are tender. I then let it cool slightly.
3. I cut the puff pastry sheets into squares, spoon a bit of the apple filling in the center of each, and fold them over into triangles.
4. Using a fork, I seal the edges and brush the tops with an egg wash to give them a golden finish.
5. I bake the turnovers for about 20–25 minutes until they are puffed up and golden brown.
6. Once baked, I let them cool for a few minutes before serving, sometimes dusting with powdered sugar or adding a light glaze.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 8 turnovers. It usually takes me 20 minutes to prepare the filling and assemble the turnovers, plus another 20–25 minutes to bake. In total, I can have them ready in about 45 minutes.

Variations

I sometimes like to add raisins or chopped nuts to the filling for extra texture. If I want a more decadent version, I drizzle a simple glaze made with powdered sugar and milk over the cooled turnovers. I’ve also tried using pears instead of apples, which gives a nice twist on the classic. For a spicier flavor, I add a pinch of ground cloves or ginger.

storage/reheating

I keep leftover turnovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If I want them to last longer, I refrigerate them for up to 5 days. To reheat, I place them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes to bring back the crispness. I don’t recommend reheating them in the microwave because it makes the pastry soggy.

FAQs

Can I use homemade puff pastry?

Yes, I can make my own puff pastry, but I usually prefer store-bought to save time.

What kind of apples work best for turnovers?

I like using firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp because they hold their shape and balance the sweetness.

Can I freeze apple turnovers?

Yes, I can freeze unbaked turnovers and bake them straight from frozen, just adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Do I need to peel the apples?

I prefer peeling them for a smoother filling, but I can leave the skin on if I want more texture.

How do I prevent the filling from leaking out?

I make sure to cool the filling slightly before assembling and seal the edges well with a fork.

Conclusion

Making apple turnovers at home is one of my favorite ways to enjoy a bakery-style pastry without much effort. I love the warm spiced apple filling wrapped in golden, flaky puff pastry. With simple ingredients and easy steps, I can whip up a batch in under an hour and enjoy them fresh from the oven.

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